Foundation Board strengthens SPK's construction planning
Press release from 12/02/2013
The Board of Trustees discussed the entire building programme of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation in detail today. Financing and prioritisation were also discussed. As a result, it should be noted: The Board of Trustees expressly supports the projects included in the Foundation's catalogue of measures. In addition to the projects currently under construction, this also includes the refurbishment of the architectural jewel of the Neue Nationalgalerie by Mies van der Rohe. This will be pursued with the highest priority. The construction schedule also includes the construction of a depot building for the State Museums in Friedrichshagen. All of this is currently still subject to adequate financing of the foundation's construction budget.
In addition to the tasks of the century that have arisen for the foundation as a result of reunification, the refurbishment and completion of Museum Island and the Staatsbibliothek Unter den Linden, the focus is now increasingly shifting to the important post-war buildings at the Kulturforum, which are now also in need of refurbishment: In addition to the Neue Nationalgalerie, this also applies to the Potsdamer Strasse State Library building by Hans Scharoun. This will be taken into account in the SPK's planning.
Another pleasing outcome of today's Foundation Board meeting relates to the Foundation President's proposal published in August 2013 for the appropriate presentation of 20th century art in a new building on Sigismundstraße at the Kulturforum. The Board of Trustees supports the Foundation's plans in this regard.
Hermann Parzinger explains: "I am very pleased that we are receiving increased support for our ongoing building and planning projects, subject to a corresponding funding decision by the federal government. I am particularly grateful that the Board of Trustees is in favour of planning a new building at the Kulturforum and thus wishes to further strengthen the Kulturforum as a site of the 20th century. I very much hope that the financial conditions for the swift realisation of this new building will soon be in place."
David Chipperfield Architects (commissioned in 2012) is currently preparing the construction documents for the renovation of the Neue Nationalgalerie. The further timetable envisages the examination and approval of this document and thus the release of the costs next year.